For the second spring in a row, Judge John Weinberg created a Real Deal lesson for me while cruising. This time, we were off the coast of Malaysia when this Real Deal arose in the duplicate game (randomly computer-dealt hands):

 1096
Q
983
KQJ1097

RHO opened a 15-17 notrump, and Judge John bid 2 to show any 1-suiter. North bid 2 (transfer to hearts--systems on in comp), and RHO duly bid 2. John passed this around to his partner who competed with 3. Presumably this meant: "Partner, I want to play in your suit--if it is clubs, please pass." This sort of follow-up requires discussion by serious partnerships. John was happy with 3, but LHO competed to 3 and everyone passed. What would you lead?

Vul: Both Dir: South	A83 J106542 74 86
1096 Q 983 KQJ1097

There was no compelling reason to lead anything but the K. Declarer won the ace, (partner playing the 4) and played the ace and another heart. On this heart, your partner wins the K, lays down the K and then then A and plays the 2.

Now what? If partner wanted a diamond ruff she (his wife Sheri), should have played AK in that order (the unusual order). Furthermore, if partner had only 2 diamonds, that would mean declarer had 6--not too likely. So, John played another club and this was the full deal:

Vul: Both Dir: South	A83 J106542 74 86
1096 Q 983 KQJ1097		J752 K93 AK62 42
	KQ4 A87 QJ105 A53

Let's review the play in 3. Declarer won the K lead with the ace (an error). He played the A and another heart to East's king. Now East cashed the diamond winners and played her remaining club. John's third round of clubs successfully promoted a trump trick for East. Declarer tried to ruff in dummy, but East overruffed with the 9 for down one.

This was good competitive bidding by East-West and a good result to go plus. However, there is one more lesson to be learned. Declarer, on general principles should have ducked the opening lead. Such plays often disrupt the defensive communications. In fact, here, after South refuses to take the first club, there is no way to defeat the contract.